Situated in the centre of the North Island, Mt Ruapehu with its summit at almost 3000 metres attracts some of the country's heaviest snowfalls.

Located on the volcanic plateau in central North Island, Mt Ruapehu is half way between Auckland and Wellington, offers both the snowboarder and skier world class snowboarding and skiing facilities.

The two commercial skifields - Whakapapa on the north west slopes and Turoa on the southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, have the nation's most developed fields with outstanding facilities.

Both skifields are located near full service towns - National Park for Whakapapa skifield and Ohakune for Turoa skifield, offering a range of ski town services and facilities, regular bus and coach and train services from Auckland and Wellington, domestic air services from Auckland and Wellington to Taupo about 2 hours drive away from the mountain. The nearest international airports to these skifields are Auckland and Wellington.

Whakapapa is best known for awesome off piste skiing, while Turoa combines great skiing with a vibrant apres ski scene. Finally do not worry if you don't have time for a holiday until October as Mt Ruapehu is famous for its quality spring skiing.

The Whakapapa skifield is open and Turoa skifield is closed.

Skifield Information
 

Whakapapa Ski Area Facts and Facilities	Turoa Ski Resort Facts and Facilities
Vertical Drop: 675 metres Terrain Analysis: 30% Beginner 45% Intermediate 25% Advanced Average Annual Snow Fall: 3.25 metres Lifts: 2 Quad, 3 Double, 4 T Bars, 4 Platters, 6 Rope Tows Snow Making 5 Restaurants/Cafes Child Care Ski School Ski Rental & Repair Ski Shop Location: 26 km from National Park No Road Toll	Vertical Drop: 720 metres Terrain Analysis: 20% Beginner 60% Intermediate 20% Advanced Average Annual Snow Fall: 3.25 metres Lifts: 2 Quad, 2 Triples 3 T Bars, 4 Platters 2 Restaurants/Cafes Ski School Ski Rental & Repair Ski Shop Location: 17 km from Ohakune No Road Toll